subject: Some Existing Homes Will Work Better Than Others For Going "Green" [print this page] Some Existing Homes Will Work Better Than Others For Going "Green"
Making existing houses "green" can be really difficult and expensive. Some houses work better than others to help you achieve this lofty goal.
Here are some things to look for when you are house hunting.
1. Basements that are usable are great. Earth-sheltered space is always cheaper to heat and cool. If possible make sure your basement space has major rooms that you will use frequently like family rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
2. Look for passive solar. It's the best because it's free. The direction a house faces rules how much heat gain it will have from the sun. You may or may not want this heat gain, depending on your climate. Overhanging roofs or landscaping can help shade homes in summer and still allow sun warming in winter. Solar panels require sunlight and maintenance. They also cost a lot to buy. Conventional houses need 30 to 40 solar panels to run the whole house. That's a lot.
3. Avoid cathedral ceilings. They may look pretty, but the volume of space is hard to heat and cool. Additionally, high walls of windows may leave you either baking or freezing. The cost is not worth the price if you really want to have a smaller carbon footprint and lower power bills. Power costs never go down.
4. Look for high quality windows. Windows are one of the most expensive things to replace when you are remodeling. Many homes already have good double or triple pane windows. A lot of homes built in the southeastern US; even in recent years have single pane windows. People in this location have to pay to air condition nearly year round. Do you want an electric bill that is $600.00 or more? It's definitely NOT "GREEN"!
5. Improving insulation is a good first step, whether you are remodeling or just hoping to improve the daily costs of your current home.
6. Newer HVAC equipment and appliances are more efficient than older ones. Plan to replace all of these things. Only clothes dryers have not become better in recent years. Consider a clothesline instead, although many neighborhoods prohibit them.
7. Skip the hot tub and the pool. They pull a lot of power.
8. Consider smaller houses. They are always cheaper to buy and power than bigger houses. Many times they are also closer to downtown areas, saving $$$ commuting. Empty nesters always want something small anyway.
9. If you buy a particular property how much time will you spend driving to shopping, work and school? Just ask the question. Do you want to spend hours a day driving around? Close is greener. Walking distance is great for both your bank account and your figure. If you want to be way out in the boonies, try to work from home instead of commuting.
10. Look for low maintenance, both inside and outside. Maybe you don't want to paint every few years. Maybe you want baths that are easy to keep clean and simple in appearance. Maybe you want accessibility for your Golden years. Practical buyers plan ahead and buy good science.
McMansions are over. Who wants to pay for one? Who wants to maintain one? Who wants to clean one? Who wants the long commute? Who wants the utility bills?
Many of us don't want them at all. Smart buyers always consider the ongoing costs as well as the original purchase price. "Green" can save you lots of money in ongoing costs.
